During which developmental stage do babies begin to crawl?

Crawling is an important milestone in infant development, typically occurring between 6 to 10 months of age. During this stage, babies develop the necessary muscle strength and coordination that enable them to push up, balance on their hands and knees, and coordinate their movements to move forward or backward. This crawling stage not only helps with physical development but also contributes significantly to cognitive development through exploration of their environment.

In the specific timeframe of birth to 8 months, infants are transitioning from reflexive movements to more controlled actions, which set the stage for crawling. As they approach the 8-month mark, many babies indeed begin exploring this movement more confidently, marking a notable shift in their ability to engage with the world around them. Understanding this critical stage helps caregivers support infants’ development effectively, through encouragement and safe spaces for movement.